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By David Hinzman on February 11

I was told that some variety's of roses are annuals instead of perennials is this true?? And are all the flowers that are labeled roses actual roses?? And I know each flower site recommends different types of roses to grow in zone4 but could you recommend the best ones that will truely survive this harsh winter environment?. Or what needs to be done to make sure that the rose bushes or plants that I plant will truly survive this nasty winter environment.. Thank you for your answers and advice and if anyone can please send answers to wolfinpeace69@gmail.com thank you so very much

There are many hardy varieties that will do well in zone 4. The "Explorer Series" and "Parkland Series" developed in Canada are excellent choices. Please see link below for more varieties and growing tips.

By Aschacht

We just put in a pool. I have large pots and would like to plant flowers that will be colorful for fall and winter. I live in Mississippi and I'm new to gardening. Any suggestions for the best type of flowers to plant in the pots that will add color around my pool? Also, when should I plant them?

We suggest that you go to a garden center and see what flowers are in bloom right now and see what type of plants they suggest for fall and winter bloom in your region. You can also visit our plant page below for ideas.

By Rose S.

I planted a Queen Elizabeth rose bush last June, and before summer was over I had several blooms. I covered the plant over winter, but the rose cone blew off and the rose was exposed to subzero temperatures before I realized the cone was gone. Is there anything I can do to save them? I took the cone off, and the plant appears to be dead (the stem is brown and dry, and while my other rose bush is green and has leaves already, this one does not)
I live in a 5b zone per the USDA map.

Bare root roses should be planted in early spring. Potted roses can be planted anytime, but spring is best. Local garden centers, nurseries, and mail order rose specialists are the best source of roses. All the best!

By ErikaA

I want to build and plant a small flower garden with my 2 year old son this year. When is the best time to do this? What type of soil is best? What type of flowers or plants are best for a simple, easy garden?

By Lee1946

Next to the birdfeeder has grown a woody stalk which has grown 4 ft high with beautiful night blooming white w/violet at it's base. I can't find out what kind of plant it is - and I'd like to know how to care for it - it is really lovely. I'd be happy to send you a picture. Please help -

If it helps, there are many plant ID web sites. For example:
http://plants.usda.gov/gallery.html
http://www.colby.edu/info.tech/BI211/PlantFamilyID.html
You could also bring a sample to your county cooperative extension as they would have local plant information.

By Jonna

Just a quick question for anyone who can answer it.

I'm starting a flower garden for the first time, some flowers I'm growing from seed, other I'm buying and transplanting into my garden.

I have bought some petunias, most of them have about, what looks like, 3 plants to a pot; would it be ok to dig small holes in my garden and put the 2 or 3 plants, into the holds, or is that oo close together? Should I seperate each individual plant?

It really depends on the flower but it's usually fine to transplant annuals. For petunias, you want the plants spaced about 1 foot apart. See our petunia page: http://www.almanac.com/plant/petunias
Visit all our flower pages here:
http://www.almanac.com/plants/type/Flower
When you transplant, do it on a cloudy day and try not to disrupt the roots or soil and transplant at the same depth they were growing in the containers. Water thoroughly after transplanting to avoid excessive wilting.

By Jonna

Basically though what I want to know is, if there are like 3 or 4 flowers in 1 pot, can I just dig a hole the size of the pot in the garden and put them all into it, without disturbing the roots or soil?

By Beth Hope

By Syndi Jones-Curtis

I love flowers; live in Zone 9 in Central Florida, with 11 oak trees front & back - shade, shade, shade, and VERY little grass! I know our soil is poor, but azaleas & impatiens should do well. What other perennials should I consider?

By valerie227

Hello, i just bought some bare root roses today, and everywhere i have looked i have not found when is a good time to plant them. I live in central ohio, please help. I want to plant them soon but i dont want to hurt them.

You can plant roses as soon as your can dig the soil. Just make sure its not too wet. If you still have cold nights you may want to plant the roses in pots that you can move into a protected location during the night.

By lyla leath

Hello, we reside in San Jose,Ca, in this month of March, we would love to plant tulips & have them bloom by May is that possible ? and will the tulips last all summer ? and will they return every year ? or will I need to replanted ? thank you!

Tulips require at least 8 weeks of cooling before they will grow. You can try keeping the bulbs planted in soil in a conatiner in the refrigerator for a few weeks and then planting them the ground, but this method would have been better if started in December. Tulips are a spring-flowering plant though some tulips do last until early summer. Tulips will return for many years, but do eventually stop producing blooms.

I'm wanting to plant any kind of flowers but "the moles" are all over both front & back yards! I'm looking forward to a lil flowering patch for my butterflies, bees & of course my hummingbirds! So, what's first?

Start with bright-colored annuals (asters, cosmos, zinnias, pansies, sweet peas). Start these from seed or buy transplants. Stay away from bulbs as moles like to eat them. See our list of plants that attract butterflies at www.almanac.com/content/plants-attract-butterflies.

By Kristi H.

Amaryllis are only hardy in zones 9 - 10, so most people grow them indoors as houseplants, starting in time for the holidays. If you live in the South, you could plant them in gardens after all danger of frost has passed. Otherwise, you can just leave them in pots year-round -- for years!

I have had 3 Amaryllis plants in a big pot on my front porch for several years now. The porch is covered so there is no fear of frost or heavy freeze to the plants. They actually started to sprout the long green leaves 2 months ago and are pretty healthy looking now. I am located in Georgia so our winters do not get as cold as other areas. I am also planting several different veggies on my porch this year. Lots of sun there and it takes place of the old square foot gardening I used to do.

Just moved back into our house after being restored after tornado. Contractor planted 8 knockout rose bushes around house. I am in Fayetteville North Carolia and want to know how to care for these rose bushes during this time of year.

Hi Thomas, if you are growing hardy roses, by now you should have stopped fertilizing and pruning in order to promote dormancy in the plants. Wait until after a couple of hard frosts (and most of the leaves drop) to provide winter protection. We recommend hilling up organic mulch or compost about 10 inches around the plant. If you have tender roses, they'll need to be moved indoors and stored between 34 and 40 degrees, in a dark basement or attic. Good luck!

Hi Robinlynn, Mockingbirds love anything they can snack on. Try planting a crab apple or cherry tree, or a low growing shrub that they can nest in. Of course, they will also most likely visit you if you have a birdfeeder and clean drinking water out for them.

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